Ministers must deliver a long-term plan for the social care sector

The care system is fragmented, underfunded and understaffed

Responding to an announcement today (Monday) from the Department of Health and Social Care of a £269m investment in social care to increase staff numbers and testing, UNISON general secretary elect Christina McAnea said:

“While welcome, the funding will do little to tackle the structural problems blighting the care sector and contributing to the high death toll during the pandemic.

“The sector is fragmented, mostly owned by companies focused on maximising profit, and is both underfunded and understaffed.

“The government has at least learned some lessons from the first wave. There’s more protective kit for care homes and cash is now available for more staff to get tested.

“But reacting to problems as they arise is no way to run the care system. Additional money here and there won’t address the massive weaknesses at the heart of the sector.

“The government must be true to its word and deliver a long-term plan for social care that puts it on a par with the NHS.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, private and community sectors.

Media contacts:
Garfield Myrie M: 07432 741565 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk